Raptors welcome back Fred VanVleet as they beat the Timberwolves

The Raptors were able to come away with a win last night against the Minnesota Timberwolves (122-112). This was a hard fought victory led by huge performances by Kyle Lowry (28,7,2), Fred VanVleet (29,4,2) and Norman Powell (20,3,4). This was Fred’s first game back in the rotation since going down with a hamstring injury. He came back by scoring 29 points and hit a career-high 7 three pointers. Toronto’s record now improves to (28-14) as they move into 3rd in the East. They are now one game ahead of the Boston Celtics and two games behind the Miami Heat.

A Rough Start

The first quarter was rough for the Raptors as they let up a season high 39-points. The Raptors would settle down, outscoring the Timberwolves in every other quarter.

A Game Of Percentages

This game was a game of percentages. The Raptors were statistically better in all major categories. They shot 7% better from the line, 8% better from three and a whopping 10% better from the field. Minnesota’s poor shooting night was in large part to the Raptors incredible defence. During this game the Raptors recorded 13 steals and 9 blocks. Defence was a major factor in getting the victory.

Up Next

The Raptors will be in action on Martin Luther King Day on Monday at 2:30PM/EST against the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks are dead last in the NBA with a record of 10-33 so the Raptors will look to capitalize.